A weekly guide to what’s happening.
ARTS AND MUSIC
PERFECT BY TOMORROW WITH THE RESINATORS The versatility of Perfect By Tomorrow’s influences says it all—The Police, Sublime and The Beatles are just a few. Since the reggae-rock outfit’s recent introduction to the world, they’ve shared stages with everyone from Rebelution to Stick Figure. Already a SoCal favorite, The Resinators, led by brothers Kyle and Kevin Cameron, deliver a similar flavor of infectious reggae-rock. $10/$15. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required. Wednesday, March 16, 8pm. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. moesalley.com.
UKULELE CLUB OF SANTA CRUZ: 20TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY In 1998, local musician Peter Thomas met Jim Beloff. The latter had just published The Ukulele: A Visual History, intending to change people’s perception of the instrument. It’s not just a toy, and Tiny Tim isn’t an ambassador of the ukulele. Propelled by educating the public on actual ukulele knowledge, the two uke enthusiasts started the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz, which has met nearly every third Thursday of the month since 2002. An anniversary celebration is well deserved. Free. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required. Thursday, March 17, 5:30pm. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. riotheatre.com.
THE LIL SMOKIES AND MICHIGAN RATTLERS Montana’s The Lil Smokies’ following continues to grow as they perform venues like Red Rocks and festivals including High Sierra and Telluride. Their third record Tornillo, produced by Bill Reynolds (The Avett Brothers, Band of Horses), marks their best yet. Meanwhile, deep-north natives, Michigan Rattlers, continue to gain traction and acclaim. Following a productive 2018 that included appearances at Bonnaroo and Firefly, Rolling Stone featured them in their “Ten New Country Artists You Need to Know.” $25. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required. Thursday, March 17, 8:30pm. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. moesalley.com.
THE STINKFOOT ORCHESTRA FEATURING NAPOLEON MURPHY BROCK This 15-piece tribute to Zappa pulls no punches, delivering Frank’s music with power, authenticity and musical prowess. Founded by 35-year veteran of the South Bay music scene Nick Chargin, the Stinkfoot Orchestra has spent the last two and a half years honing their craft and is finally taking their long-awaited show to the stage to rave reviews. $24 plus fees. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required. Thursday, March 17, 8pm. Felton Music Hall, 6275 CA-9, Felton. feltonmusichall.com.
MATTSON 2 These uber talented identical twins have been fusing instrumental psych-rock with jazz for nearly two decades. A reinterpretation of John Coltrane’s celebrated A Love Supreme scored big. Jazz Times wrote, “[The record] manages to hold Coltrane’s revered album in the highest esteem while shredding it to pieces.” Mattson 2’s eighth record, Paradise, marks the duo’s first inclusion of vocals. And the new addition has received a warm welcome. $20/$25. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required. Saturday, March 19, 9pm. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. moesalley.com.
THE OSEES Frontman John Dwyer teems with music, so much so that he’s had to form more than a dozen different bands throughout the last 25 years to contain the hundreds of songs that sweat out of him. Osees is the center of Dwyer’s musical universe, even with the band’s name perpetually in flux. The earliest known iteration of Osees, OCS, is an acronym for either Orinoka Crash Suite or Orange County Sound, depending on Dwyer’s mood. OCS became the Oh Sees, sometimes billed as the Ohsees, and then the Thee Oh Sees moniker was left unchanged for about a decade before the ants in Dwyer’s pants led to the 2020 alteration Osees, which is where it stands—for now. See March 9 story. $35 plus fees. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required. Friday, March 18, 8pm. Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. folkyeah.com.
SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND Three different Santa Cruz singer-songwriters will showcase three different approaches to music. David Hunt Cameron is known for personal lyrics and moving from delicate acoustic tunes to funk without warning. Known for his work with popular local Grateful Dead tribute band The China Cats, Scott Cooper is more than a one-trick pony—he has a vast range that takes listeners into a world of dusty old country, rootsy Ozark bluegrass and more. The evening’s host, Steve Nail, is a perpetual troubadour and former member of several local groups (Wred Horse, Sleepless Nights) has a soul full of country folk. $10 plus fees. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required. Sunday, March 20, 8pm. Felton Music Hall, 6275 CA-9, Felton. feltonmusichall.com.
ANAT COHEN AND MARCELLO GONÇALVES Grammy-nominated clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen is one of modern jazz’s most respected players. The New York Times writes, “…[Cohen’s] improvisations weren’t just bebop fast; they had a clarity and deep intelligence that is really quite rare. She made it look effortless … she took my breath away.” The Israel native’s second record with Brazilian 7-string guitarist Marcello Gonçalves, Reconvexo, is lightning in a bottle. The duo delves into the Música Popular Brasileira (MPB) songbook. $36.75/$42. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required. Monday, March 21, 7pm. Kuumbwa Jazz, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. kuumbwajazz.org.
FLOGGING MOLLY After 20 years, Flogging Molly’s music is still driven by social and political issues. Their forthcoming full-length record, Life is Good, is more of that well-crafted Celtic-flavored punk rock that we’ve come to know. The themes focus on the economy, unemployment, immigration policies and the other crap the world is dealing with daily. $54-149. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required. Wednesday, March 22, 8pm. The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. catalystclub.com.
COMMUNITY
42ND ANNUAL ECOFARM CONFERENCE The West’s largest gathering of agriculturalists working to advance fair and ecological farming and food systems will feature online skill-building workshops, visionary keynote speakers, pre-conference events, Spanish sessions and in-person field days. Wednesday, March 16-Friday, March 18. Visit eco-farm.org/conference for various events, times, locations and rates.
BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ PRESENTS: MARISSA MEYER – ‘CINDER: THE COLLECTOR’S EDITION’ Considered a master of the fractured fairytale genre, celebrate the 10th anniversary of Marissa Meyer’s Cinder. The live virtual event will feature a book discussion, audience bingo, interactive polls and more. Free. Wednesday, March 16, 5pm. Virtual event. Register at bookshopsantacruz.com/marissa-meyer.
SANTA CRUZ WARRIORS VS. AGUA CALIENTE CLIPPERS Enjoy watching the most talented basketball players in the world outside of the NBA. $27-280. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required. Saturday, March 19, 7pm. Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St., Santa Cruz. santacruz.gleague.nba.com.
GROUPS
GANJA YOGA SANTA CRUZ Cannabis, yoga and community come together to relax and elevate your soul. Javi’s classes blend slow vinyasa flow, chill vibes, grounded spirituality and a touch of Latino spice. All levels welcome, weed welcome (vapes only), masks optional. Free (first class). Thursday, March 17, 6pm. Green Magic Yoga, 738 Chestnut St., Santa Cruz. greenmagicyoga.com/ganja-yoga-santa-cruz.
WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM This cancer support group is for women with advanced, recurrent or metastatic cancer. Meets every Monday on Zoom. Free. Registration required. Monday, March 21, 12:30pm. 831-457-2273. womencaresantacruz.org.
OUTDOORS
CONCRETE SHIP HISTORY WALK Learn about Seacliff State Beach’s enthralling history on this one-mile stroll to the Aptos Creek Bridge and back. Get the lowdown on the “Concrete Ship” and the development of Aptos, “The Madman of Seacliff” and more. $10 parking pass. Thursday, March 17, 11am-noon. Seacliff State Beach, 201 State Park Drive, Aptos. Pre-register santacruzstateparks.as.me.
HUMMINGBIRD DAY Celebrate hummingbird migration season as the migrating Allen’s hummers join with the resident Anna’s in stunning displays all over the Arboretum. There will be morning bird walks, photography tips and activities for kids. $10/$5 kids 5-17. Saturday, March 19, 7am-1pm. UCSC Arboretum, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz. arboretum.ucsc.edu.
